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Since 2006 I have been working as an HIV research scientist for a pharmaceutical company. The company I work for is irrelevant as I agree with and abide by the non-biased nature of the drug information available on this website. I'm a scientist, not a marketing rep.

I would hope that the people who do know where I work would respect my privacy and not broadcast information given in confidence – given that it is now widely known that I work in industry. I'm here to help where I can - not sell drugs.

I do this in my own free time and I do not receive payment for posting in these forums nor am I here as part of a deal with any pharmaceutical company and POZ.com.

So PLEASE do not ask me about treatments for HIV and advice whether to take drugs or not. I can not answer these questions, given where I work, as no matter what I say I can be accused of being a drug salesman. I could not live with this.

I will continue to champion people’s health and provide scientific input when requested as this is something I can do to help. However, I feel it only appropriate now to tell you all and to limit my contribution to this website.

I just wanted to make that perfectly clear.

If this information makes people uncomfortable then please respond. I would rather it cost my place on this forum than be labeled a drug salesman.

Richard.

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NB. Any advice about HIV is given in addition to your own medical advice and not intended to replace it. You should never make clinical decisions based on what anyone says on the internet but rather check with your ID doctor first. Discussions from the internet are just that - Discussions. They may give you food for thought, but they should not direct you to do anything but fuel discussion.

While your comments were kind, I didn't post this as part of a popularity drive, but to try and tell people where I work and disclose fully that I now work for Big Pharma. Given what some people think about this, and that it is now getting out that I work in industry I thought it best to truthful - especially in light of recent PMs asking me advice about drugs. I just want people to know why I can't help them in that regard. It might sound stupid, but the choice of drugs and even the decision to take drugs should never be discussed with someone who works in industry - as no matter how good my intention is, someone will call foul and claim bias.

Rich.

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NB. Any advice about HIV is given in addition to your own medical advice and not intended to replace it. You should never make clinical decisions based on what anyone says on the internet but rather check with your ID doctor first. Discussions from the internet are just that - Discussions. They may give you food for thought, but they should not direct you to do anything but fuel discussion.

Rich, I think everyone can appreciate your position. I for one am glad you are here and hope you are around for a good long time... I could care less where and what you do.. Just that you are here is blessing enough..

Don't let the pissants get to you. Those of us who count know how much you contribute and the fact that you are generous enough to share your expertise with us for free. My advice to experts here is, in general, not to give advice via PM.

Thanks guys. I appreciate your input. I must admit that I am more relaxed now I have 'confessed' to working for a pharma company now. I have been fighting whether to tell you all publically - given some of the contributions in the "LIVING" section. However, public disclosure over rumor is the way to go. That way I get to tell people the story and not have people hear a rumor and adding 'money bunging' or 'deal with pharma' into the story - which isn't true.

I also get to stop using "R" now too, but might still sign off as "R" because it is quicker.

Rich.

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NB. Any advice about HIV is given in addition to your own medical advice and not intended to replace it. You should never make clinical decisions based on what anyone says on the internet but rather check with your ID doctor first. Discussions from the internet are just that - Discussions. They may give you food for thought, but they should not direct you to do anything but fuel discussion.

Who gives a fuck that you work for Pharma? Despite all the bitching that goes on about the Companies I'll bet you a pound to a pinch of shit that none of the critics here would give up their HAART on principle. Hell AIDSMEDS and POZ.COM have been taking the drug companies shilling ever since.

It's the way the world works and if some of that can be diverted to provide things like this, well then good.

Those of us who've been here for a while have an idea what sort of work you do, and frankly, we're grateful for it. Better to work for Pharma and make the drugs that save the our lives than for the military-industrial complex.

Love,

MtD(Who knows that Rich has been long enough to understand that most of what goes on in Living With is just dick measuring)

LIFE is not a race to the grave with the intention of arriving safelyin a pretty and well-preserved body, but, rather to skid in broadside,thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming--WOW! WHAT ARIDE!!!

NB. Any advice about HIV is given in addition to your own medical advice and not intended to replace it. You should never make clinical decisions based on what anyone says on the internet but rather check with your ID doctor first. Discussions from the internet are just that - Discussions. They may give you food for thought, but they should not direct you to do anything but fuel discussion.

Rich, what you are is a stand-up guy. I could not agree with matty more about any detractors. Oh, and the dick measuring too.

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"Many people, especially in the gay community, turn to oral sex as a safer alternative in the age of AIDS. And with HIV rates rising, people need to remember that oral sex is safer sex. It's a reasonable alternative."

You knew at some point that you would acknowledge your field of work as we have discussed this often. What posters do not see is the Rich I have come to know and the intestinal fortitude that you have demonstrated many times, even if done privately. You know how I feel about you and I can assure readers that Rich harbors few misconceptions about Big Pharma. Rich has a passion for biological research involving HIV and he found his best opportunity with a drug company.

He's not doing research to make some company rich, he's doing this for all the positive people and to fulfill his life calling. We should be so lucky that all researchers shared the passion that Rich has demonstrated.

I still believe that I will someday attend the Nobel Prize ceremony, where Rich will receive some recognition for his work in the field of HIV. Heavy burden, indeed, but if a white knight can do this, it will be Rich.